CHANGE OF PREFERENCE EXPO

Wednesday 14 December
11am – 4pm
Hawthorn campus

An option for every ATAR

We believe that you can reach your goals no matter what ATAR you achieve. That’s why Swinburne has an option for every ATAR.

Your ATAR is as you expected

Congratulations. If you achieved an ATAR equal to or above the Swinburne 2017 minimum ATAR for your preferred Swinburne course, this is a good indication that you will be offered a place for 2017 – and you don't need to change your preferences.

Special Entry Access Scheme

The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) is offered through VTAC for students who have experienced educational disadvantage.

Your ATAR is higher than you expected

Congratulations. If you achieved a higher ATAR than you expected, there are a few options you could consider.

If you're happy with your course preferences and achieved an ATAR equal to or above the Swinburne 2017 minimum ATAR for your preferred Swinburne course, it is a good indication that you will be offered a place for 2017 – and you don't need to change your preferences.

If you have changed your mind (based on your ATAR), you can change your preference list by adding courses that you may not have considered before. This may include professional degrees or double degrees. Make sure you check for any additional entry requirements before adding a new course.

Special Entry Access Scheme

Your ATAR is lower than you expected

Don't panic. If you don't get the ATAR you expected, it doesn't mean your education and career goals – or even your preferences – need to change. Swinburne offers options for every ATAR.

Consider courses that have like outcomes to your preferred course; if your first preference is a professional degree (e.g. Bachelor of Business (Professional)) you might consider adding a general degree as your next preference (e.g. Bachelor of Business, which also provides access to a professional placement and you can achieve the same outcome).

Consider a course that can provide alternative entry – also known as a pathway – to your preferred course. You can progress to a related bachelor degree from a range of other courses, such as:

Online Q&A

THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

Law can be challenging because it’s such a dedicated profession. But the culture at the Swinburne Law School is more personal, so we’re all happy to help each other. You need to pick a university for yourself and not just what your family or friends think you should be doing.

Charlotte
Studying Law, and Innovation and Design

I had mates who went to other unis, but some of the campuses are so far away or they don’t really have a good vibe. Hawthorn is only a couple of stops from the city on an express train and it’s such a good community here.

Imo
Studying Health Science

I worked as a Field Service Engineer at Dräger during my paid work placement. I was upgrading and repairing a huge range of different medical equipment every day. I’ve actually lined up a full-time position with them after I graduate this year.

Natalie
Studying Biomedical Engineering

The best part of my course has been how versatile, dynamic and flexible it has been. I’ve studied on campus and online, and I’ve explored my interests in biomedical physiology, politics, and media and communications, including a PR internship.

I like the Hawthorn campus a lot. I’m so lucky to have a job at a local coffee shop, Oscar Mike, and I run into people all of the time! With Glenferrie Road right there, it’s like its own little community.

Hand on heart, my paid work placement as a marketing intern at Motorola Solutions is the best thing that I have ever decided to pursue. I’ve been given my own campaign to work on and manage – it’s really good experience for the future.

Go for the university that offers you experience, not just the highest ranked. I want to do a professional work placement so I can apply my knowledge to industry and see what types of jobs are out there. You get six or 12 months off your course and you get paid while doing it.

Ru
Studying Applied Mathematics

Studying Aviation Management provided practical and specific aviation knowledge that allowed me to jump straight into the workforce and make a valuable contribution. The experience I gained through studying at Swinburne gave me the edge over my peers.

Nic
Aviation Management graduate

It’s a very hands-on and interactive course. The energy you get by being around like-minded people is amazing. I twice had the chance of working with actual customers during my course. That experience is priceless.

Aubrey
Studying Entrepreneurship and Innovation

I’ve been able to complete various internships including working at IP (Intellectual Property) Australia in Canberra. I really enjoyed applying what I had learnt in class to a practical situation and seeing my research and opinions be considered by other employees.

James
Studying Law and Business

Over the mid-year break I went to Princeton University in New Jersey, USA, to undertake seven weeks of laboratory experience. Meeting and working with the top professors in the astrophysics fields was awe-inspiring! As a second year physics student, this was a huge opportunity.

Gain as much experience in your field as you possibly can. Being the Public Relations Manager at Business Without Borders Swinburne, I worked across a range of media and communications campaigns for local businesses across Hawthorn. I often credit that experience for where I am today.

Ally
Studying Public Relations

Within my degree I was able to not only able to study producing, but also cinematography, editing, sound design and directing. Having this vast knowledge of how each role works is crucial knowledge when working for a company like Madman Entertainment.

Isabella
Film and Television graduate

Studying at Swinburne opened the doors for me to work in a variety of fields, most recently furniture and decor design. My lecturers encouraged me to think outside the square with ‘blue-sky thinking’ and reach my full potential.

Steven
Product Design Engineering graduate

The biggest highlight of my paid work placement at St Vincent’s Hospital has been the opportunity to watch a brain surgery from less than a metre away. I also performed EEGs on prisoners, witnessed real medical emergencies and met so many wonderful patients every day.

Isabella
Studying Psychology and Physiology

I wanted to learn new skills and earn some extra money, which a paid work placement with Monash Health has allowed me to do. I’ve learnt how to step up as an individual and seek information by myself. My experience so far has been incredibly valuable.

Jesse
Studying Marketing

Classes or not, we find ourselves at uni almost every day, building, designing or simply discussing ideas with our teachers. We’re lucky to have access to some of the most knowledgeable professors in the world and we’re allowed access to equipment.

Narayan
Studying Robotics and Mechatronics

My robotics subject has been the best thing so far. We’ve built LEGO robots from scratch – it didn’t even feel like study or work. I’ve been showing my friends videos of what I’ve made and they can’t believe I’ve done it. I tried so many things in my first year and I haven’t regretted anything.

Paid work experience while you study

At Swinburne, getting you job-ready is at the core of what we do. That’s why we offer opportunities to undertake practical work placements and start your career before you graduate.

Alternative entry to your preferred course

If you’re looking for an alternative path into your preferred course, Swinburne can help. Consider a UniLink diploma, which can provide entry to the second year of a bachelor degree.

Our approach to ATARs

Swinburne has an option for every ATAR. Our ATAR calculator shows the minimum ATAR you need to achieve to receive an offer to study at Swinburne in 2017.

An experience unlike any other

Swinburne’s High Achievers Program offers scholarship recipients mentoring, opportunities to participate in research or industry projects, and a guaranteed place on a study tour.

Turn KNOWING INTO KNOW-HOW

What is an ATAR and how is it calculated?

Your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the overall percentile ranking that measures your performance comparative to other students in the same year.

VTAC uses your VCE results to calculate your ATAR based on:

your study score for English, English Language, Literature or English (EAL);

your next three highest permissible study scores; and

10 per cent of your next two permissible study scores (if available).

If you completed Year 12 outside the state of Victoria, VTAC will automatically receive your results and ranks from the state in which you studied. All non-Victorian educational authorities (except Queensland) provide you with an ATAR.

What is a study score?

A study score is a score between zero and 50 that shows how you performed in a particular VCE subject compared to other students in the same year. It is calculated from your results in assessments and exams in that subject.

Study scores are often referred to in course prerequisites.

What is a Clearly-in ATAR?

A Clearly-in ATAR is the ATAR most Year 12 applicants need to achieve to receive an offer for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in a particular course.

At Swinburne, our ATAR calculator shows the minimum ATAR you need to achieve to receive an offer for a CSP to study one of our courses. Note that vocational qualifications such as diplomas and certificates do not have a minimum ATAR.

The ATARs listed are provided as a guide only for 2017 entry – additional selection criteria may apply to some courses. You should check the VTAC website for full entry requirements.

When can I change my preferences?

You can change your preferences during the Change of Preference period – between 10am, Monday 21 November and midday, Tuesday 20 December 2016 – through the VTAC website.

What is a subject bonus?

Some universities may consider factors in addition to your ATAR when making offers for courses. One of these factors is a subject bonus. This takes into consideration your completion of specific VCE subjects that may be listed as subject bonus consideration for that course and how well you did in that subject. Check the ‘additional considerations’ section of the course entry on the VTAC website for information about subject bonuses for that course.

Note that subject bonuses will not alter your ATAR – it may only increase your chance of receiving an offer to study a particular course.

What is SEAS and am I eligible?

The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) is offered through VTAC for students who have experienced educational disadvantage. SEAS allows Swinburne to grant extra consideration for course entry by taking into account any short- or long-term disadvantage.

You can estimate your eligibility for SEAS consideration at Swinburne by using our SEAS calculator.

Are there other ways I can get into my desired course?

Swinburne is proud to offer a range of courses that offer alternative entry – also known as pathways – to our bachelor degrees. Some options you might consider include:

UniLink diplomas (minimum ATAR of 50)

associate degrees (minimum ATAR of 50)

advanced diplomas, diplomas or certificates (no minimum ATAR).

Can I take a year off before I start my course?

Most courses will allow you to defer your studies – delay when you begin your course for six months or a year – but there are some exceptions. For example, if you receive a scholarship, you may be required to begin your course in February 2017.